CONNECTING PEOPLE

Welcome - This blog was created to discuss the common questions and topics concerning the start-up and ongoing operations ofA Brush with Kindness and Age in Place

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Partner Family Requirements

There are several philosophies being promoted to affiliates on how to effectively partner with families. For us at TCHFH it comes down to answering 3 important questions. First, how can we create a family partnership that best assists homeowners in their struggle to stay in an affordable home? Second, how can we have a big enough impact to create the resources necessary to sustain such a program? And finally, how can we be true to our hand up philosphy while recognizing the significant differences between homebuyer and homeowner families? The answers for us has been to be flexible and adaptable as we develop a consistent model of service to homeowner families based on the unique circumstances that we have learned through serving the restoration needs of our homeowners.

Families must be willing to participate throughout the partnership process to be eligible for service. One concept we are always conscience of throughout the process with families is that their home is their responsibility and we are there at their invitation to only provide the necessary support (remembering that they have purchased their home without our assistance and for the most part have kept it up for years without our assistance) that enables them to stabilize their living situation and continue to maintain their own home. abwk habitat for humanity

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Messages That Matter

It is important to find messages that comunicate the essence of your new program. The public will pick up on those messages that connect with their values. We have used "Ever have a brush with kindness?" and "Connecting people... Restoring homes" as well as key quotes and scripture that resonate with our constituents. Check out the slide show below to see quotes that have inspired our messaging.

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About Me

I founded A Brush with Kindness 20 years ago. With tremendous support from the Valspar corporation, we created a program that helped preserve homeownership throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area so that families could continue to live in a safe, healthy home. I have helped to start over 100 programs throughout the US and in several countries as a consultant with HFHI. I currently direct the Age in Place program at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. Locally, A Brush with Kindness serves about 80 families each year. Feel free to contact me for more information at plund@abwk.net.